2011 Chevrolet Camaro Review and Prices
A Notable Feature of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro

The new Camaros are built at GM's plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, which has long ranked high in independent audits of vehicle quality, among the best in North America. On the minus side, it seems the automatic transmission has no provision for manual shifting, a curious omission for a modern "driver's car." Perhaps GM is saving that for 2011 models. On the other hand, our experience with Pontiac G8 suggests the new Camaros will score well for handling, steering, and braking. Ride comfort and mechanical refinement may get good marks, too. But speaking of Pontiac, GM has no plans to revive the Camaro's one-time siblings, the Firebird and Trans Am. There just aren't enough buyers now to make them financially feasible.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro

GM's Bob Lutz says the new Camaros will cost more than comparable Mustangs, but will be better equipped. Regardless, the LT and LS models stand to be the best new-Camaro buys for several reasons. For example, the EPA estimates fuel economy at around 29 mpg highway--not Honda frugal perhaps, but more than credible for large, affordable sporty/performance cars. Lutz also implies that lesser Camaros will have better front/rear weight balance than the macho V8s, plus enough horsepower to make for a "very fast, very legitimate car." If this sounds like Lutz is pushing the low-end models, he is. With the government's new fast-track fuel-economy mandates, no automaker can sell too many thirsty, high-power vehicles without paying stiff fines.

Camaro fans will naturally welcome the return of their favorite, but everyone else has plenty of alternatives in the highly varied realm of affordable sporty/performance cars. The most direct rivals, of course, are the reborn Dodge Challengers and equivalent Ford Mustangs. The latter are being refreshed as early 2010 entries and reportedly get a full redesign for 2013. Other Camaro-like candidates include Mitsubishi's front-drive Eclipse coupes and Spyder convertibles and Hyundai's new rear-drive Genesis coupe, all of which offer 4-cylinder and V6 power. Those who can do with only two seats may be drawn to the Nissan 350Z coupe and convertible, which will likely become updated 370Zs for 2010.

So a lot of new product is set to pile in within months or weeks of one another. Which is best for you? Consumer Guide can help you decide. Whatever your choice, cars like this are proving harder to sell in the face of "pump shock" and other economic negatives, so some kind of deal-sweetener should be available, even on the brand-new Camaros.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Release Date: GM hasn't yet announced one, but it will probably be in fall of 2010

2011 Chevrolet Camaro First Test Drive: Ride-and-drive sessions for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro took place early in 2009. If the convertible materializes in early 2011, the media will probably sample it just before it goes on sale.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Prices: As noted, Mr. Lutz says that Camaros will cost somewhat more than comparable Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers, which currently go for between about $20,000 and $40,000. Keep in mind, though, that stickers on all these ponycars may well be going up due to inflationary pressures and fast-rising materials costs, especially for steel.